Snowboard binding

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a snowboard binding provided with a base plate ( 11 ) for supporting a sports shoe ( 3 ), having at least one respective extension ( 42, 43 ) in the peripheral regions ( 33, 34 ) thereof on either side of its longitudinal axis for retaining a respective leg ( 31, 32 ) of a U- or bow-shaped support element ( 24 ). This bow-shaped support element ( 24 ) bears a support ( 25 ) in the form of a back support ( 26 ) disposed in the region of its base ( 28 ) and mounted so as to pivot to a limited degree and/or this support element ( 24 ) is provided as a stop restriction for a support ( 25 ) mounted on the extensions ( 42, 43 ) of the base plate ( 11 ). The support element ( 24 ) is mounted by means of at least one pivot bearing ( 36 ) so as to be pivotable to a limited degree about a pivot axis ( 38 ) extending transversely to the binding longitudinal axis ( 18 ) and substantially parallel with the base plate ( 11 ) and can be fixed in the desired angular position ( 39 ) relative to the base plate ( 11 ) by means of an adjusting and locking mechanism ( 40 ) and/or the support element ( 24 ) is forced by means of an elastically resilient and automatically rebounding damping mechanism into a pre-defined angular position ( 39 ) relative to the base plate ( 11 ). Irrespective of the above, an adjusting mechanism is created for varying the clearance width between the legs ( 31, 32 ) of the support element ( 24 ) as necessary.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention relates to a snowboard binding provided with a base plate for supporting a sports shoe, which has at least one extension in the peripheral regions thereof on either side of its longitudinal axis for retaining a respective leg of a U-shaped or bow-shaped support element and this bow-shaped support element supports a support which is pivotable to a limited degree in the form of a back support in the region of its base and/or is provided as a stop restriction for a support element mounted on the extensions of the base plate.

[0003] 2. The Prior Art

[0004] Numerous binding mechanisms are known for board-type runner devices which are used on their own, in particular so-called snowboard bindings, and have a base plate by means of which the binding mechanism can be mounted on the snowboard. This base plate more or less corresponds in shape and size to the shoe sole of a correspondingly designed sports shoe. As a rule, this base plate is slightly shorter than the sole length of the sports shoe which has to be attached to and released from it. Extensions project vertically from the standing plane in the lengthways peripheral regions of the base plate. These extensions are preferably integrally formed on the base plate and may be provided as retaining extensions extending continuously in the two peripheral regions or raised at the centre to form a support frame which is U-shaped as seen in plan view. This U-shaped support frame is intended to surround the heel region of the sports shoe and can be individually adjusted and fixed in the lengthwise direction of the binding relative to the base plate in order to be adapted to different shoe sizes. To this end, several mutually spaced orifices for fixing screws or longitudinal slots are provided in the peripheral extensions or in the two legs of the support frame, as described in patent specification EP 1 127 592 A1, for example. This binding mechanism also has a so-called back support, by means of which the user of the binding mechanism is supported in the rearward direction. This back support may be mounted directly on the extensions and pivots about a pivot axis extending transversely to the binding longitudinal axis, limited by stops, or this pivot bearing is provided directly on the U-shaped support frame. The stop restriction for the support in the rearward direction is provided by means of a stop element acting on the support element, which moves so that it bears on the U-shaped support frame, thereby limiting the pivoting motion of the support. Binding mechanisms of this type are usually provided with a strap arrangement and/or with automatic coupling mechanisms to form so-called “step-in” bindings. The disadvantage of these binding mechanisms is that they can be adapted to the individual requirements of the user to a limited degree only.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The underlying objective of the present invention is to propose a snowboard binding, which can be more readily adapted to the individual wishes and requirements of a whole range of different users.

[0006] This objective is achieved by the invention due to the fact that the support element is mounted by means of at least one pivot bearing so as to pivot to a limited degree about a pivot axis, extending substantially parallel with the base plate, and the support element can be fixed in the desired angular position relative to the base plate by means of an adjusting and locking mechanism and/or is forced into a pre-defined angular position relative to the base plate by means of an elastically flexible and automatically rebounding damping mechanism.

[0007] One of the advantages of the snowboard binding proposed by the invention resides in the fact that the bow-shaped support element for the support, in particular the back support, can be individually adjusted, at least in terms of its angular position relative to the base plate, within predefined limits about a pivot axis extending transversely to the binding longitudinal axis and a damping mechanism provides an elastic and flexible damping and rebound action for relative displacements between the support element and base plate. Firstly, this enables different angles of inclination to be set between the support forming the back support and the standing plane for the shoe of the user. Secondly, the adjustable and fixable pivot bearing for the support element also allows the back support to be set to a certain degree at different support heights from the standing plane. Alternatively or in combination with the above, impact stress and vibratory stress in the force-coupled interaction between the user and the board-type sports device can be damped within predefined limits via a damping action of the pivot bearing for the support element. This counteracts premature tiring of the user or the occurrence of unpleasant pressure points on the feet of the user to a certain extent.

[0008] Also of advantage is another possible design of the snowboard binding, in which the pivot bearing for the bow-shaped support element is provided in the end regions of its two legs remote from the base thereof, since this enables loads acting on the pivot bearing to be kept relatively low, thereby providing a relatively simple and compact binding structure capable of withstanding any stress which occurs without difficulty. This design also offers a relatively broad range within which the desired support height of the back support can be adjusted relative to the standing plane.

[0009] In an alternative embodiment of the snowboard binding in which the pivot bearing is close to the base of the U-shaped support element, a relatively broad range can advantageously be provided for setting and adjusting the angle of inclination of the back support.

[0010] Advantage is to be had from the fact that the adjusting and locking mechanism for setting and fixing the support element in different angular positions relative to the base plate is disposed at a distance from the pivot bearing, because the loads acting on the adjusting and locking mechanism can be minimised, thereby providing a strong binding mechanism with simple and compact features.

[0011] In another embodiment of the snowboard binding, at least one resiliently elastic damping element is provided inside the pivot path of the support element, which enables the support to be pivoted in one direction or two directions about the pivot axis against the force of the damping element when subjected to pressure forces perpendicular to a support surface of the support element, which is of advantage because loads which occur during use of the snowboard binding are damped and rearward positions and/or forward positions of the user can be resiliently damped to a certain degree, which provides greater comfort during use.

[0012] It is of advantage that the adjusting and locking mechanism and/or the damping mechanism is disposed in the region of the base or in the end regions of the legs lying immediately adjacent to the base because the adjusting and locking mechanism and the damping mechanism can be spaced at a relatively long distance from the pivot bearing and these components will therefore be able to withstand the stress which occurs during use of the snowboard without any difficulty.

[0013] The legs of the support element extend continuously starting from a rearward region of the base plate as far as a forward region or a region forming the support surface on the base plate for the balls of the feet, which is of advantage because it gives the base plate high strength and bending strength, enabling savings to be made in terms of the dimensions and/or amount of material used for the base plate. This enables the weight of the snowboard binding as a whole to be optimised and reduced.

[0014] The visual appearance is made attractive and effective lateral support for a sports shoe is provided using a relatively small volume of material for the support element due to the fact that the legs of the support element are cambered in curved, preferably convex arrangement relative to the base plate.

[0015] Due to the fact that an extension is provided in each of the two lengthways peripheral regions of the base plate and another extension is provided respectively at a distance apart to receive the damping mechanism and/or the adjusting and locking mechanism, the weight and material requirements for providing the base plate with the extensions can be kept as low as possible whilst nevertheless affording a statically favourable and stable binding mechanism.

[0016] In one embodiment of the snowboard binding, the adjusting and locking mechanism has at least one oblong orifice in a plane perpendicular to the standing surface for adjusting the angular position of the support element relative to the base plate as necessary, which has the advantage of enabling a stepless angular adjustment of the support element. The effort involved in changing the binding setting is reduced and there is no need for any dismantling operations in order to change a setting.

[0017] In another advantageous embodiment of the snowboard binding, the adjusting and locking mechanism has an insert part which can be inserted in the oblong orifice and determines the angular position of the support element depending on the position in which it is inserted, enabling the support element to be very securely fixed in the desired angular position with low clamping and retaining forces. The desired angular positions can be selected depending on the insert part used or depending on the position in which it is inserted. As a result of stop elements which sit in direct abutment or as far as possible without any clearance, risk of the adjusting and locking mechanism inadvertently working loose or being released as a result of careless adjustment is reduced to a minimum, e.g. during active gliding operation. In particular, it is not necessary to secure the adjusting and locking mechanism with a specific minimum torque in order to ensure that a setting is securely locked.

[0018] In another possible embodiment of the snowboard binding, the insert part is provided in the form of a resiliently flexible and rebounding damping element which absorbs stress occurring in the binding mechanism during active use, affording a simply structured and reliable damping mechanism which can be replaced by a rigid adjusting and locking mechanism if necessary. Another advantage is that because the insert part can be easily changed, the binding mechanism is able to cater for different damping characteristics. Also of advantage is the fact that the support element is not able to move freely, ensuring that the sports shoe is firmly retained in the binding mechanism without wobbling.

[0019] It is possible to dismount from the snowboard binding rapidly and without effort due to a design of the snowboard binding in which at least one connecting element, operable without tools, is attached to the support element, in particular at least one strap arrangement and/or at least one coupling part for securing and releasing a sports shoe as necessary.

[0020] A very strong and simply designed pivot axis may be provided, which also permits different pivot bearings and pivot positions, in the form of a screw- or bolt-type fixing means.

[0021] In one embodiment of the snowboard binding, the damping mechanism and/or the adjusting and locking mechanism has at least one screw- or bolt-type connecting element between the support element and the base plate which is displaceable to a limited degree in at least one oblong orifice and provides a binding mechanism which can be assembled easily and without difficulty in spite of the additional functions and operating mechanisms.

[0022] The number of separate constituent connecting elements between the support element and the base plate can be kept to an absolute minimum as a result of another embodiment of the snowboard binding in which the pivot bearing is provided in the form of rounded guide surfaces on the support element, in particular on the terminal ends of its legs, and/or by arcuately curved bearing surfaces on the base plate or on the extensions thereof. The binding mechanism can also be assembled more rapidly and easily as a result.

[0023] Due to the fact that the maximum possible pivot path of the support element and/or the hardness of the damping mechanism can be changed by means of an adjusting element as necessary and the adjusting element can be provided in the form of an adjustable stop element for the support frame, in particular for its legs, and/or as a positioning means for changing the initial tension or damping characteristic of the damping element, the damping characteristic of the binding mechanism can be adapted to individual needs and requirements without having to make any modifications or replacements.

[0024] A simple design of a damping mechanism that is also gentle on the damping element can be obtained due to the fact that the damping characteristic and/or the maximum adjustment path of the support element can be adjusted by changing a radial distance of the damping element from the pivot axis. In addition, this feature permits a more extensive adjustment range of the damping characteristic.

[0025] Also of advantage is another embodiment of the snowboard binding, in which the adjusting element has a handle enabling the setting of the damping characteristic and/or the maximum adjustment path of the support element to be changed without the need for tools, since the properties of the binding mechanism can also be varied effortlessly whilst the binding mechanism is in use during travel in open terrain and in the open countryside.

[0026] Advantage is also to be had from another possible embodiment of the snowboard binding, which has two pivot bearings between the support element and the base plate spaced apart from one another in the binding longitudinal axis and mounted in guide mechanisms between the support element and the base plate and/or the support element can be adjusted in rotation and translation relative to the base plate via the pivot bearings and guide mechanisms, since this affords an extensive adjustment range between the support element and base plate and the binding mechanism can therefore be adapted to cater for perceptibly varying conditions or to markedly different requirements, e.g. to a plurality of different shoe sizes or to changing requirements in terms of how forces are introduced or force transmission.

[0027] Also of advantage is another embodiment of the snowboard binding, in which at least one of the guide mechanisms, preferably the rearward guide mechanism, rises starting from the front ends of the leg in the direction towards the base of the support element, since this firstly enables the support height of the back support to be varied and simultaneously improves the way force is introduced or force is transmitted between the foot of the user and the board-type runner device in the rear region of the binding mechanism.

[0028] As a result of the advantageous embodiment of the snowboard binding in which the guide mechanisms extend in an arcuately curved arrangement and their centre point lies above the standing plane, the ratio between a change to the support height and a change in the length of the binding mechanism and the point at which force is introduced can be varied in a disproportionate and non-linear manner.

[0029] As a result of the design of snowboard binding in which the guide mechanisms are provided in the form of cutouts or orifices in the pairs of extensions and pivot bearings receiving bolt- or pin-type fixing means or connecting elements disposed in or on the support element or vice versa, a technically simple yet robust combined pivoting and sliding mounting can be obtained between the support element and the base plate.

[0030] In another embodiment of the snowboard binding, the pivot axes are displaceably received in sliding blocks in the guide mechanisms, which means that the surface contact acting on the guide surfaces of the guide mechanisms can be reduced, thereby ensuring perfect operation on a long-term basis.

[0031] Irrespective of the above, the objective of the invention is also achieved by means of a snowboard binding in which the two legs of the support element extend continuously starting from the rearward region of the base plate to the forward region of the base plate and at least two, preferably several, mutually spaced bearing points are provided transversely to the binding longitudinal axis and substantially parallel with the standing plane for selectively connecting the support element to the base plate and if necessary for adjusting the clearance width between the legs.

[0032] The advantages of this solution reside in the fact that using only one type of base plate, designed accordingly, or one support element designed accordingly, a binding mechanism is provided which can be adapted to suit different shoe and sole widths. The number of tools, in particular injection moulding tools, needed to manufacture different binding mechanisms for different shoe widths and sole lengths can therefore be reduced, keeping production costs of this type of binding mechanism low. This also makes for savings and simplifies warehouse management for producers and retail outlets handling binding mechanisms of this type. As a result of the easy adjustability of the clearance width between the legs of the support element, the binding mechanism can also be adapted to changing individual requirements and needs without any difficulty. In particular, the lateral retention and supporting action of the binding mechanism can be individually optimised for the sports shoe or altered case by case.

[0033] In another possible embodiment of the snowboard binding, several extensions are provided on the base plate spaced apart from one another transversely to the binding longitudinal direction and/or several matching orifices or cutouts are provided spaced apart from one another transversely to the binding longitudinal axis in at least one leg, or vice versa, which firstly enables connections between the base plate and the support element to be established and secondly offers generous adjustment ranges in terms of the distance between the legs.

[0034] As a result of the embodiment of the snowboard binding in which lateral boundary surfaces on at least one leg form the innermost and/or outermost bearing position for setting the narrowest and/or widest distance between the legs of the support element, a generous adjustment range for the distance between the legs of the support element can be made available without the need for special features.

[0035] Finally, in another embodiment of the snowboard binding, bearing points are provided in the forward and/or in the rearward region of the base plate and/or the support element for securing a mutual connection and adjusting the distance between the legs if necessary, which is of advantage because not only can an adjustment be made to the width of the front part of the foot or toe region of the shoe, an adjustment can also be made to the heel width or the width of the sports shoe in the heel region.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples of embodiments illustrated in the appended drawings. Of these:

[0037]FIG. 1 is a simplified, perspective diagram showing an embodiment of a snowboard binding with a pivot bearing for the bow-shaped support element with the support;

[0038]FIG. 2 is a simplified, perspective diagram showing another embodiment of the snowboard binding with an adjustably mounted support frame;

[0039]FIG. 3 is a simplified, perspective diagram showing an embodiment of the pivot bearing and an adjusting and locking mechanism and damping mechanism for the support frame of a snowboard binding;

[0040]FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of a snowboard binding with a differently arranged pivot bearing and an adjusting mechanism for the adjustment path and for the damping characteristic of the support element;

[0041]FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of a binding mechanism with a combined option for adjusting the frame-type support element in rotation and translation;

[0042]FIG. 6 is a simplified, schematic diagram showing a side view of a sliding support element with rounded guide surfaces and/or pivot bearing for the support element of a binding mechanism;

[0043]FIG. 7 is a simplified, schematic side view of another embodiment of a combined bearing mechanism for displacing the support element in rotation and translation relative to the base plate;

[0044]FIG. 8 is a simplified, perspective diagram showing a bearing mechanism for the leg ends of the support element for adjusting to different shoe and sole widths.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0045] Firstly, it should be pointed out that the same parts described in the different embodiments are denoted by the same reference numbers and the same component names and the disclosures made throughout the description can be transposed in terms of meaning to same parts bearing the same reference numbers or same component names. Furthermore, the positions chosen for the purposes of the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc,. relate to the drawing specifically being described and can be transposed in terms of meaning to a new position when another position is being described. Individual features or combinations of features from the different embodiments illustrated and described may be construed as independent inventive solutions or solutions proposed by the invention in their own right.

[0046]FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a binding mechanism 1 for releasably connecting a runner device, in particular a board-type sports device 2, to a sports shoe 3 as required. By preference, the sports device 2 is what is known as a snowboard 4, on which the binding mechanism 1 is to be mounted so that it can be releasably connected to a snowboard shoe 5 of an appropriate design.

[0047] The binding mechanism 1 has at least one coupling part 6, 7 for establishing a releasable connection as required with at least one matching coupling part 8, 9 on the sports shoe 3. the coupling parts 6, 7, 8, 9 may be a latch coupling 10 or so-called “step-in system” which can be operated without tools, enabling sports shoe 3 and binding mechanism 1 to be comfortably and rapidly connected and released.

[0048] The coupling parts 6, 7 of the binding mechanism 1 may be of the type falling within the scope of the invention or alternatively may be provided in the form of at least one strap arrangement known per se. These strap arrangements known from the prior art have at least one strap-shaped tensioning element with a buckle or some other clamping mechanism, by means of which the sports shoe 3 can be securely strapped in the binding mechanism 1 and then released again to dismount from the binding mechanism 1.

[0049] The coupling part 9 of the sports shoe 3 may be a bolt-shaped extension in the heel region, for example. The other coupling part 8 on the sports shoe 3 may be a tongue-type retaining extension on the sole, which can be located in a positive engagement with a recess or retaining tab on the binding mechanism 1. The other coupling part 7 of the binding mechanism 1 may be provided in the form of a pivotably mounted hooking element displaceable in conjunction with the heel-side coupling part 9, of a type long since known from the prior art.

[0050] The binding mechanism 1 also has a substantially flat base plate 11, which is attached to the top face 13 of the snowboard 4 by means of a retaining plate 12. As seen in plan view, the base plate 11 preferably has a contour that is substantially the same shape as the shoe sole. However, it would also be possible for the base plate 11 to be designed in the form of a beam-shaped support, with coupling elements at its end regions for connecting it to a correspondingly designed shoe.

[0051] The retaining plate 12 for securing the base plate 11 and the entire binding mechanism 1 to the snowboard 4 has a circular contour as seen in plan view. A thickness of the wheel-like retaining plate 12 corresponds more or less to a thickness of the base plate 11. A diameter 14 of the retaining plate 12 may be 70 mm to 140 mm, preferably approximately 105 mm.

[0052] In its central region, the base plate 11 has a circular orifice 15 or a corresponding recess, the diameter of which essentially corresponds to the diameter 14 of the retaining plate 12. The retaining plate 12 and the base plate 11 can be at least partially inserted one in the other and connected in a positive fit via the orifice 15 or recess. The circular retaining plate 12 together with the complementary orifice 15 or matching bore forms a lockable and releasable rotary bearing 16 for the base plate 111 relative to the top face 13 of the snowboard 4. In particular, this rotary bearing 16 forms an axis 17 disposed substantially perpendicular to the base plate 11 and the top face 13 of the snowboard 4, extending parallel and congruently with the binding vertical axis.

[0053] The base plate 11 preferably conforms to the sole shape of the sports shoe 3 and is asymmetrical relative to a binding longitudinal axis 18. This binding longitudinal axis 18 preferably extends through the centre of the retaining plate 12 and is substantially parallel with a standing plane 19 for the sports shoe 3. The standing plane 19 for the sports shoe 3 on the base plate 11 may extend substantially parallel with the top face 13 of the snowboard 4 or may be disposed at an oblique angle to the top face 13 of the snowboard 4 to produce what is known as a “canting”.

[0054] The selectively lockable and releasable rotary bearing 16 between the retaining plate 12 and the base plate 11 enables the angle of rotation of the binding mechanism 1 to be set in different positions relative to the snowboard 4. In particular, an angle of rotation 20 between the binding longitudinal axis 18 and a longitudinal axis 21 of the snowboard 4 can be set as desired by the user in a known manner and the desired angle of rotation 20 fixed. In particular, this rotary bearing 16 enables the angle of rotation 20 to be adjusted from the “Regular” to the “Goofy” angular position and vice versa. Similarly, this rotary bearing 16 enables the binding longitudinal axis 18 to be changed from a parallel alignment with the longitudinal axis 21 to a position disposed transversely or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 21. Basically, however, this rotary bearing 16 may be designed so that it can be released and locked without stops so that the angle of rotation 20 can be set in an adjustment range of 360°.

[0055] In a known manner, at least two binding mechanisms 1, either identical in design or specially adapted for the right and left foot, are mounted on a snowboard 4. To this end, it is usually necessary to provide a plurality of fixing screws 22, which extend through the retaining plate 12 and can be anchored in the snowboard 4 in order to secure the binding mechanism 1 to the top face 13. In the designs known from the prior art, the fixing screws 22 also fulfil the function of an adjusting and fixing mechanism 23 for the angle of rotation 20 and the rotary bearing 16.

[0056] The binding mechanism 1 also has a support element 24, which is U-shaped or bow-shaped as seen in plan view, for a support 25 which extends essentially perpendicular to the base plate 11. This support 25 is preferably a flat element with a cambered cross section and is intended to support the calf region of a user and the rear region of the sports shoe 3. Generally speaking, the support 25 is therefore also referred to as back support 26 or so-called “highback”.

[0057] The support 25 and the associated back support 26 is preferably able to pivot to a limited degree via a pivot axis 27 extending substantially transversely to the binding longitudinal axis 18 and substantially parallel with the standing surface 19 of the base plate 11. In particular, a pivoting action of the support 25 is restricted in a direction opposite the base plate 11 to the rear, preferably by means of an individually adjustable stop element—not illustrated. The supporting action of the support 25 and the introduction of force or force transmission between the user and the sports device 2 can be optimally adjusted to individual needs and different requirements.

[0058] In order to minimise space requirement, the support 25 which essentially stands up vertically from the standing plane 19 of the base plate 11 during use can be switched in a known manner to a collapsed or folded position, in which the support 25 assumes a space-saving position, making the sports device 2 easier to transport.

[0059] The support 25 is mounted or retained so as to transmit load and forces to the bow-shaped support element 24. The support 25 is mounted in the region of a base 28 and in the base section of the U- or bow-shaped support element 24.

[0060] The base 28 or the base section of the support element 24 preferably sits at a distance 29 behind the rearmost point of the base plate 11 by reference to the binding longitudinal axis 18 and on the binding mechanism 1 during normal use. In other words, the support element 24 usually projects above the rearmost point of the base plate 11 and in doing so bears the support 25 at a vertical distance 30 above the standing plane 19. The two legs 31, 32 of the bow-shaped support element 24 extend along the base plate 11 at the lengthwise peripheral regions 33, 34. A distance between the two substantially mutually parallel legs 31, 32 thus corresponds more or less to a width 35 of the base plate 11 and essentially the width of a special sports shoe 3 with which it is used.

[0061] The key factor is that a pivot bearing 36 is provided for the bow-shaped support element 24, which permits a limited pivoting action of the support element 24 within a vertical plane 37 to the base plate II and to the standing plane 19 thereof. To this end, in the end regions of the two legs 31, 32 remote from the base 28, the pivot bearing 36 forms a pivot axis 38 extending substantially transversely to the binding longitudinal axis 18 and substantially parallel with the standing plane 19 of the base plate 11, about which the support element 24 together with the support 25 can be pivoted to a limited degree. In particular, the pivot bearing 36 enables an angular position 39 of the support element 24 to be adjusted and fixed as necessary and/or varied relative to the base plate 11 as a result of force induced during use. The pivot axis 38 of the pivot bearing 36 between the base plate II and the support element 24 is preferably defined by bolt-type or screw-like connecting elements between the support element 24 and the base plate 11. Naturally, it would also be possible to use pivot bearings 36 of any other type known from the prior art between the support element 24 and the base plate 11. For example, the terminal ends of the legs 31, 32 might be designed as rounded guide surfaces for seating pockets in or on the base plate 11 matching these terminal end regions.

[0062] The angular position 39 can be adjusted and fixed by means of an adjusting and locking mechanism 40 depending on individual desires and to suit different requirements. The desired setting or angular position 39 may be fixed rigidly or alternatively—as will be described in more detail below—in a resiliently flexible manner with effect from a certain point under the action of displacement forces or loads. The adjusting and locking mechanism 40 used for this purpose may be mounted directly on the pivot bearing 36. By preference, however, the adjusting and locking mechanism 40 is spaced at a distance apart from the actual pivot bearing 36 so as to absorb any forces which occur more easily and make it easier to withstand loads. For practical purposes, the adjusting and locking mechanism 40 is arranged behind the end region of the base plate 11 by reference to the position of use. As a rule, the adjusting and locking mechanism 40 is positioned more or less at the height of the half length of the legs 31, 32.

[0063] The adjusting and locking mechanism 40 preferably has at least one mechanical clamping and/or catch connection 41 between the legs 31, 32 of the support element 24 and the base plate 11. Different distances or angular positions 39 can be set and fixed between the base plate 11 and the support element 24 pivotably mounted thereon by means of this clamping and/or catch connection 41. These different height distances produce the desired angular position 39 between the support element 24 and the standing plane 19 for the sports shoe 3 on the base plate 11. The clamping and/or catch connection 41 has at least two corresponding clamping and/or catch surfaces, which together can fix whatever angular position 39 is assumed when sufficient tensioning force is applied and thus lock the pivot bearing 36. The adjusting and locking mechanism 40, which is preferably provided in both lengthwise peripheral regions 33, 34 for each of the two legs 31, 32, has at least one respective extension 42, 43 disposed perpendicular to the standing plane 19 of the base plate 11. These tab-type extensions 42, 43 are preferably disposed perpendicular to the standing plane 19 of the base plate 11 and form the clamping and/or catch surfaces for the legs 31, 32. In terms of operating elements for the clamping and/or catch connection 41, a screw-like fixing element may be used, an eccentric lever or any other clamping element known from the prior art. In order to increase the retaining and fixing forces, the co-operating retaining or clamping surfaces may be provided with friction-enhancing means, such as roughened or rubberised areas and/or teeth.

[0064] In the forward terminal end region of the base plate 11 in this embodiment (by reference to the binding longitudinal axis 18 and the standard position of usage of the binding mechanism 1), the pivot bearing 36 also respectively has at least one extension 44, 45, to which the legs 31, 32 are pivotably attached. In order to produce a very strong pivot bearing 36 for the support element 24, each leg 31, 32 may be provided with two extensions 44; 45 or retaining tabs spaced at a distance apart from one another, between which a terminal end of the legs 31, 32 is respectively pivotably received. Designed accordingly, the extensions 42, 43 maybe provided as a means of increasing the breaking strength and retaining force of the adjusting and locking mechanism 40 as well.

[0065] By means of the pivot bearing 36 for the support element 24, which can be adjusted and fixed within certain predeterminable limits, the support 25 or back support 26 can be set to different support heights. Similarly, a height distance of a coupling part 7 which may be optionally provided on the support element 24 for receiving the corresponding coupling part 9 on the sports shoe 3 can be adjusted relative to the standing plane 19 for the sports shoe 3. In particular, what might be termed a “suspended bearing” of the heel region of the sports shoe 3 relative to the base plate 11 can be obtained. As a result of a slight distance in the heel region between the sole of the sports shoe 3 and the base plate 11 or by a lifting action of the coupling part 7 on the support element 24 relative to the sports shoe 3, loads in the vertical direction between the foot of the user and the sports device 2 may be absorbed or damped. The flexibility of the coupling part 9 in the direction perpendicular to the shoe sole and/or an elastic bearing of the coupling part 7 on the support element 24 or for the support element 24 itself and/or a certain intrinsic elasticity of the actual bow-shaped support element 24 can be used to provide damped support for the heel region of the sports shoe 3.

[0066] However, instead of using this resiliently elastic or flexible mounting for the sports shoe 3, the pivot bearing 36, which can be adjusted and fixed as necessary, may also be designed to adapt the coupling mechanism 7 to different sizes and types of sports shoes 3 by means of another practical design of the pin-like coupling part 9. In particular, the pivot bearing 36 for the bow-shaped support element 24, which can be adjusted and fixed to requirement, may be designed so that a single type of binding mechanism 1 can be adapted to a plurality of different sports shoes 3 under certain circumstances, by varying the height distance of the bolt-type coupling part 9 relative to the shoe sole during production.

[0067] Instead of or in combination with a rigid pivot bearing 36 achieved via the clamping and/or catch connection 41, it would also be possible to provide an adjustment or springing path for the support element 24 relative to the base plate 11 under the action of a damping element. If sufficiently high adjusting forces are periodically applied or occur, a resiliently flexible and then automatic pivoting action of the support element 24 along with the support 25 can be produced about the pivot axis 38. Pulse-type impacts acting on the calves of a user can be damped, thereby counteracting the premature occurrence of unpleasant pressure points

[0068] The bow-shaped support element 24 with the two legs 31, 32 and the base 28 connecting them is preferably made in a single piece and is made from a high-strength material, such as metal for example. Similarly, the support element 24 may be made from a high-strength plastics or from a light metal, such as aluminium for example. The legs 31, 32 of the support element 24 extend continuously, starting from the rear end region of the base plate 11, to a forward region of the base plate 11 provided as a means of supporting the balls of the feet. The legs 31, 32 of the support frame 24 preferably also form lateral boundary walls 46, 47 in the lengthwise peripheral regions 33, 34 of the base plate 11. These boundary walls 46, 47 formed by the legs 31, 32 firstly stabilise and strengthen the base plate 11 and secondly also help to position a sports shoe 3 in the binding mechanism 1 correctly. As will be explained in more detail below, the boundary walls 46, 47 may also be provided as a means of mounting strap-type fixing elements for the sports shoe 3.

[0069] The lateral boundary walls 46, 47 of the base plate 11, which may preferably be formed by the legs 31, 32 of the support element 24, significantly improve the breaking strength of the base plate 11. It is primarily the orifice 15 in the base plate 11, with a relatively large surface area, which severely weakens the breaking and bending strength of the latter transversely to the binding longitudinal axis 18 and this reduction in strength or stiffness is at least partially compensated by the legs 31, 32 extending across wide longitudinal regions of the base plate 11 or the breaking limit of the base plate 11 is even further increased by means of the legs 31, 32 forming lateral reinforcing webs. The extensions 42 to 45 may therefore be of a relatively short design—as illustrated in FIG. 1—in terms of the overall length of the base plate 11 and the continuously extending legs 31, 32 of the support element 24, which is bent to a U-shape or moulded to U-shape for example, significantly increases the bending strength of the base plate 11 joined thereto. The articulated link via the pivot bearing 36 and the elastically flexible connection or the rigid connection in the region of the adjusting and locking mechanism 40 between the support frame 24 and the base plate 11 therefore plays a significant part in rendering the base plate 11 stiffer.

[0070] Instead of providing tab-type extensions 42 to 45, it would naturally also be possible to provide two extensions 42, 43 extending across longer longitudinal regions of the base plate 11 transversely to the binding longitudinal axis 18 spaced apart from one another more or less by the sole width of an appropriate sports shoe 3 and forming peripheral side retaining webs for the support frame 24 accordingly.

[0071] At least one seating element 48, 49 forming the standing plane 19 is preferably also provided on the base plate 11. This at least one seating element 48, 49 may produce an element which generates or enhances a damping action due to the adhesion friction of the binding mechanism 1 relative to the sports shoe 3 in the form of a so-called “padding” of expanded foam or made from an elastomer and/or by means of a seating element 49 lengthening the base plate 11 in the form of what is known as a “pedal”. A pedal of this type is preferably provided in the forward end region of the base plate 11 relative to the binding longitudinal axis 18 and is used to support the ball region of the feet or the toes in the sports shoe 3 and usually extends the length of the base plate 11. Optionally, this seating element 49 may also be used to obtain a slightly inclined position, in particular a slight rise in the standing plane 19 in the end region of the base plate 11 assigned to the toes of a user, in which case this seating element 49 is often also referred to as a “gas pedal”.

[0072]FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of the binding mechanism 1 proposed by the invention, the same reference numbers being used to denote the same parts already described and the descriptions given above may be applied to the same parts bearing the same reference numbers.

[0073] This binding mechanism 1 also has a pivot bearing 36 for the U-shaped support element 24 with the support 25 mounted on it. The pivot axis 38 of this pivot bearing 36 on the leg ends of the support element 24 lies more or less in the support region for the balls of the feet or toes of the user's foot, by reference to the binding longitudinal axis 18 of the base plate 11. In other words, the pivot axis 38 extends transversely to the binding longitudinal axis 18, usually above the seating element 49 on the base plate 11. As an alternative, it would also be possible for the pivot axis 38 to be disposed more or less at a half length of the base plate 11.

[0074] In the embodiment illustrated as an example here, the pivot axis 38 is defined by bolt-type fixing means 50, preferably by conventional screws 51, which extend respectively through the terminal ends of the legs 31, 32 and pivotably connect them to the respective peripheral-side extension 42, 43 provided respectively on the base plate 11. A front strap arrangement 52 is preferably also attached by means of the two peripheral-side fixing means 50 so as to pivot on the base plate 11. When the binding mechanism 1 is in the usage position, this front strap arrangement 52 extends transversely across the front foot region of a user and transversely across the base plate 11. Since the strap arrangement 52 is mounted on the binding mechanism 1 by means of the two bolt-type fixing means 50, this strap arrangement 52 is preferably also able to pivot about the pivot axis 38. In particular, the front strap arrangement 52 for strapping and loosening the front foot region from the binding mechanism 1 pivots to a limited degree within the vertical plane 37 to the standing plane 19 of the base plate 11. Consequently, the strap arrangement 52 can be adjusted to the individual needs and requirements of a user in terms of the angular position and hence the way in which tensile and compression forces are transmitted to the foot of the user. The pivoting action of the strap arrangement 52 about the pivot axis 38, also makes it easier to get a sports shoe in and out of the binding mechanism 1.

[0075] The front strap arrangement 52, as well as a rear strap arrangement 53, has a clamping and releasing mechanism 54, 55, preferably in the form of so-called ratchet buckles. These clamping and releasing mechanisms 54, 55 on the strap arrangements 52, 53 provide an comfortable means of varying the length of the strap arrangements 52, 53 enclosing a region of the sports shoe, thereby adjusting the clamping and retaining force exerted to whatever sports shoe is used. In particular, this enables whatever sports shoe is used to be strapped in the binding mechanism 1 if necessary and then taken out of the binding mechanism 1 again after loosening the clamping and releasing mechanisms 54, 55. Each of the strap arrangements 52, 53 preferably has two strap halves, the overlapping width of which can be fixed if necessary by means of the clamping and releasing mechanisms 54, 55 and which can be released again and slid free.

[0076] The rear strap arrangement 53, which extends transversely across the instep region of the foot of a user when the binding mechanism 1 is being used, is preferably articulated on the pivot axis 27 for the support 25. This pivot axis 27 is also preferably formed by bolt-type fixing means 56, in particular by screws 57, pivotably mounting mutually spaced end regions or retaining tabs of the support 25 on the legs 31, 32 in the region of the base 28. These fixing means 56 are preferably also used to fix and pivotably attach the rear strap arrangement 53. Accordingly, the rear strap arrangement 53 can also pivot about a pivot axis 27 if necessary, thereby enabling an adjustment to be made to individual needs or requirements in terms of the points at which force is transmitted to the instep region. In a manner known per se, several receiving bores 58 or oblong orifices may be provided in the support element 24 and/or in the retaining tabs of the support 25 itself 25 for individually adjusting the position and/or orienting the support 25 relative to the support element 24 and relative to the base plate 11. The region in which forces are transmitted can be selectively and individually adjusted by means of these oblong orifices or these receiving bores 58 with the fixing means 56 extending through them, in particular from the support 25 to the support element 24 and on to the base plate 11 and the board-type runner device disposed underneath it.

[0077] The essential feature of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 is that the pivot path of the support element 24 about the pivot axis 38 is elastically restricted by a stop and/or is generally damped during its pivoting motion by a damping mechanism 59. In particular, a first pivoting adjustment path may be provided for the support element 24 in which not only does the active force of the damping mechanism 59 come into play, an elastically flexible stop restriction or absorption effect for the support element 24 is provided only when the support frame 24 has reached at least one of the two end regions of the maximum displacement path. By preference, however, the resiliently flexible and rebounding active force of the damping mechanism 59 also comes into play over the entire maximum possible pivot path on the support element 24. The damping mechanism 59, which may incorporate at least one metal spring arrangement, for example a coil spring assembly, but preferably at least one element made from an elastomeric synthetic material or expanded foam for example, is disposed so that it will act within the possible pivot path of the support element 24. Especially when subjected to compression and/or tensile forces perpendicular to a support surface 60 of the support 25, a pivoting motion of the support element 24 will be permitted or initiated about the pivot axis 38, as a result of which the active force of the damping mechanism 59 will resiliently and flexibly counteract this pivoting motion of the support element 24.

[0078] The damping mechanism 59 may be provided in the form of a block-shaped damping element 62 made from an elastomeric synthetic material inserted in an oblong hole 61, for example. Extending through this damping element 62 is a bolt-type connecting element 63 between the support element 24 and the retaining extensions 44 and 45. The support frame or support element 24 will therefore only be able to pivot about the pivot axis 38 against the active force of the damping element 62. In particular, the damping element 62 is compressed and/or stretched when the support frame 24 pivots.

[0079]FIG. 3 provides a more detailed illustration on a larger scale of the pivot bearing 36 for the support element 24 relative to the base plate 11. This offers a simple way of providing either an adjusting and locking mechanism 40 or a damping mechanism 59 or alternatively a combined adjusting and locking mechanism 40 incorporating a damping mechanism 59. The functions that are provided will essentially depend on nothing more than an insert part 64 which can be inserted and received in an oblong hole 61.

[0080] A particularly simple adjusting and locking mechanism 40 for the desired angular position of the support element 24 about the pivot axis 38 can be obtained in particular if this insert part 64 inserted in the oblong hole 61 is of a rigid or inflexible design. The support frame 24 can be adjusted to different angular positions relative to the base plate 11 by providing at least one receiving bore 65, which is eccentrically positioned relative to the elongate insert part 64. Optionally, several mutually spaced receiving bores 65 may also be provided in the inset part 64. The height distance of the receiving bore 65 can be varied relative to the base plate 11 simply by varying the position in which the insert part 64 is inserted relative to the oblong hole 61. A pivot angle of the support element 24 relative to the base plate 11 can be set depending on the different vertical distances in the receiving bore 65 by which the inset part 64 is inserted. The insert part 64, which can be variably received by the oblong hole 61, and the support element 24 are preferably connected to one another by the bolt-type connecting element 63, usually a screw, extending through them. To obtain an individually adjustable connection between the support element 24 and the base plate 1 that will be functionally reliable in the long term and resistant to breaking, a corresponding flanged nut 66 is preferably provided in the screw-type connecting element 63.

[0081] Optionally, a cover element 67 may also be provided, which visually masks an orifice 68 in the support element 24 and/or the oblong hole 61 in the base plate 11 and in the extensions 42; 43 thereof. However, this cover element 67 may also be a fixing element, which prevents the insert part 64 from falling out of or coming apart from the oblong hole 61 under the effect of loads.

[0082] By simply varying the insertion position of the insert part 64, the position of at least one receiving bore 65 provided therein can be varied in terms of its height relative to the base plate 11, thereby serving as an individually adjustable or variable adjusting and locking mechanism 40 for the pivot bearing 36 of the support element 24.

[0083] The advantage of providing receiving bores 65 for the bolt-type connecting element 63 in an off-centre or eccentric arrangement is that the angular position of the support element 24 relative to the base plate 11 can be adjusted by relatively fine degrees, whilst nevertheless acting as a stable adjusting and locking mechanism 40 capable of withstanding high loads.

[0084] Alternatively, it would naturally also be possible to provide several mutually spaced bores and/or oblong holes in the legs 31, 32 of the support element 24 and/or in the extensions 42, 43 on the base plate 11, in which the connecting element 63 can be selectively inserted to obtain a different angular position. This being the case, individual receiving bores are preferably arranged in an arc about the pivot axis 38 or if necessary an oblong hole 61 may be provided, extending in an arcuate design about the pivot axis 38.

[0085] If necessary, the insert part 64 may also be made from a soft elastic material, for example an elastomer, offering a simple way of providing a damping mechanism 59 for the pivoting motions of the support element 24 about the pivot bearing 36. In this case, the bolt-shaped connecting element 63 is surrounded by or inserted in the soft elastic material of the insert part 64, thereby enabling the soft elastic insert part 64 to be compressed and/or turn under the action of sufficiently high adjusting forces, resulting in a limited and damped pivoting motion of the support element 24 together with the support 25 about the pivot axis 38.

[0086] Another advantage of this insert part 64 for at lease one extension 42; 43 of the base plate 11 resides in the fact that it offers the option of selectively providing an adjusting and locking mechanism 40 or a damping mechanism 59. Using elastic insert parts 64 of a different hardness provides the option of adapting to individual desires and requirements in terms of the damping characteristic of the damping mechanism 59. Another advantage resides in the fact that it provides a simple option of switching from a rigid adjusting and locking mechanism 40 to a damping mechanism 59 for the support element 24 or a combination of an adjusting and locking mechanism 40 and a damping mechanism 59.

[0087] Naturally, it would also be possible to provide the oblong hole 61 in the legs 31, 32 of the support element 24 and at least one orifice 68 in the extensions 42, 43 of the base plate 11.

[0088] Also of advantage is the fact that the capacity of the support element 24 to pivot relative to the base plate 11 can be selectively released and locked by means of a pre-tensioning force between the support element 24 and the extensions 42; 43, adjustably applied by means of a screw-type connecting element 63. In particular, if the screw-type connecting element 63 is screwed in sufficiently tightly, a clamping and/or catch connection 41 can be obtained, which totally prevents any movement of the support frame 24 if necessary. When the screw-type or lever-type connecting element 63 is in the loosened state, the ability of the support element 24 to move relative to the base plate 11 is permitted within pre-defined limits and preferably in a manner whereby any movement is damped.

[0089] Instead of a double-acting damping mechanism 59, in other words one which acts in opposite directions, it is also possible to provide the receiving bore 65 or uncovered arrangement through which the connecting element 63 is inserted in the outermost peripheral region of the insert part 64 so that a damping adjustability of the support element 24 is provided in one direction only. By preference, an adjusting motion of the support frame 24 is blocked in a direction remote from the base plate 11 and a relative adjustability permitted in a position closer to the base plate 11 against the active force of the damping insert part 64 and the corresponding damping mechanism 59.

[0090] Irrespective of the above, however, the damping characteristic of the damping mechanism 59 and/or the maximum adjustment path of the support element 24 may be adjusted by varying a radial distance of the damping element 62 from the pivot axis 38.

[0091]FIG. 4 illustrates a different embodiment of the binding mechanism 1, the same reference numbers being used to denote the parts already described so that the relevant parts of the description above may be applied to the same parts described here.

[0092] In this case, the U-shaped support element 24 for the support 25 is mounted in the region of its base 28 so as to be pivotable to a limited degree. In particular, the pivot bearing 36 is positioned in the end regions of the legs 31, 32 lying immediately adjacent to the base 28. In other words, the pivot axis 38 of the pivot bearing 36 is disposed close to the rounded region of the legs 31, 32 merging with the base 28 of the U-shaped support element 24. In the embodiment illustrated as an example here, a first lever length starting from the pivot axis 38 in the direction towards the base 28 is shorter than a second lever length starting from the pivot axis 38 in the direction towards the terminal ends of the legs 31, 32 in the forward end region of the base plate 11. Consequently, the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 offers a totally different adjustment path to force ratio than the embodiments described above. Due to the lever design in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, relatively high compression and tensile forces must act on the support 25 in order to produce a pivoting action of the support element 24 against the active force of a damping mechanism 59 provided in the region of the leg ends. However, slight adjustment paths of the base section of the support element 24 in the direction perpendicular to the standing plane 19 result in relatively longer adjustment paths of the leg ends in the direction perpendicular to the standing plane 19.

[0093] The damping mechanism 59 in this case is provided in the form of a thrust bearing 69, the damping action of which can be adjusted. This thrust bearing 69 co-operates with the terminal-side end regions of the support element 24, in particular the leg ends standing up from the base 28. Accordingly, the thrust bearing 69 can be adjusted in terms of the maximum possible damping path and/or in terms of the damping characteristic or hardness of the damping element 62 for the adjustable support element 24. To this end, the thrust bearing 69 has an adjusting element 70, by means of which the pre-tensioning or degree of compression of at least one damping element 62 and/or the maximum possible adjustment path for the support element 24 can be varied or individually adjusted if necessary. This adjusting element 70 may be provided in the form of a lever or threaded arrangement, for example, by means of which the maximum freedom of movement of the leg ends can be adjusted within a pre-defined range and/or the hardness of the damping element 62 can be adjusted. In the embodiment illustrated as an example here, the adjusting element 70 is a screw element, provided in the form of an adjustable stop in the pivot path of the support element 24.

[0094] The adjusting element 70 may optionally be provided with a lever-type handle 71, by means of which the setting of the damping characteristic and/or the maximum displacement path of the support element 24 can be varied without the need for tools.

[0095] In the embodiment illustrated as an example, the thrust bearing 69 comprises the pivotably mounted support element 24 and a receiving slit 72 for its leg ends. The terminal ends of the legs 31, 32 are at least partially inserted in a respective receiving slit 72 and can be pivoted to a certain degree therein against the action of the damping element 62 in the direction perpendicular to the base plate 11. In other words, an opening width of the receiving slit 72 as measured perpendicular to the standing plane 19 is greater than the leg ends of the support element 24 inserted therein, permitting a limited displacement between the terminal ends of the support element 24 and the thrust bearing 69 mounted on the base plate 11 in a stationary arrangement. A width of the receiving slit 71 as measured perpendicular to the vertical plane 37 substantially corresponds to a thickness of the leg ends so that the leg ends are positioned so as to be immobile in the transverse direction and the distance between them is therefore fixed.

[0096] The thrust bearing 69, the damping action and maximum adjustment path of which can be varied, is preferably provided on the extensions 44, 45 arranged in the peripheral region of the base plate 11 at the forward end region of the base plate 11. In particular, the receiving slits 72 for the leg ends may be defined by two extensions 44, 45 spaced at a slight distance apart from one another.

[0097] Alternatively or in combination with the described damping mechanism 59, the latter feature may also be provided by the natural elasticity of the rear strap arrangement 53. To this end, the strap-shaped element of the strap arrangement 53 is attached on the one hand to the extensions 42, 43 and additionally, at a distance therefrom, connected to the pivotably mounted support element 24. Via this mechanical connection between the support element 24 and the extensions 42, 44 afforded by the elastically flexible and rebounding strap arrangement 53, a damping action can be provided with regard to the relative displaceability between the support element 24 and the base plate 11.

[0098] In the embodiment illustrated as an example here, the binding mechanism 1 has a first coupling part 6 provided in the form of a rigid retaining element, for example a lug or a retaining pin, for the toe region of a sports shoe and the other coupling part 7 is a strap arrangement 53 which is flexible to a greater or lesser degree for fixing the instep region of a sports shoe.

[0099] Naturally, the pivotable bearing of the support element 24 may also be used with binding types in which the coupling elements are disposed in the lateral peripheral region of the base plate 11 so that they can be selectively displaced with the side regions of a sports shoe into and out of engagement.

[0100] As viewed perpendicular to the vertical plane 37, the legs 31, 32 extend in a swinging or curved arrangement in the part-section between the pivot bearing 36 and the open front end region of the support element 24. The legs 31, 32 preferably curve in a convex arrangement relative to the standing plane 19 in this section. This enables boundary walls 46, 47 with a sufficient support height to be formed in the middle region of the base plate 11 and these boundary walls 46, 47 may extend in a relatively low arrangement in the terminal-side end regions of the base plate 11.

[0101] Since the support element 24 is mounted so as to be pivotable to a limited degree, it is now possible for the angle of inclination 73 of the support surface 60 of the support 25 relative to the standing plane 19 for a sports shoe to be individually and adjustably varied and/or this angle of inclination 73 can be varied by an elastic spring damping effect under the action of sufficiently high loads. In particular, the impacts which occur in pulses during travel can be transmitted to the foot and the calf of the user in a reduced form via the pivotable support element 24.

[0102] By preference, at least one individually adjustable stop element 74 is provided on the support 25 or alternatively on the support element 24, by means of which the inclination of the support 25 can be adjusted within a relatively broad adjustment range relative to the support element 24. This stop element 74 can be adjusted and fixed in the vertical direction by means of a screw or any other clamping or catch connection so that different maximum angles of inclination 73 between the support 25 and the base plate 11 or the support element 24 can be set. The stop element 73, which can be individually adjusted and fixed in the height direction, therefore acts on the maximum pivot angle between the support 25 and the support element 24, whereas the pivot bearing 36 permits a change in the angle of inclination 73 of the support 25 due to the ability of the support element 24 to pivot about the pivot axis 38.

[0103]FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of a binding mechanism 1, in particular what is known as a snowboard binding.

[0104] In this case, at least one pivot bearing 36 is provided for the support element 24, i.e. the support element 24 can be pivoted about a pivot axis 38 extending substantially parallel with the standing plane 19 and largely transversely to the binding longitudinal axis 18 as necessary and fixed in the desired angular position 39 relative to the base plate 11 or secured so as to be elastically flexible in this position. In particular, two pivot bearings 36 spaced at a distance apart from one another and extending in the direction of the binding longitudinal axis 18 are provided for the support element 24. More specifically, two pivot bearings 36 spaced at a distance apart from one another and extending in the longitudinal direction of the binding mechanism 1 are provided for each of the two legs 31, 32 of the support element 24. The forward or first pivot bearing 36 by reference to the usage position of the binding mechanism 1 is preferably disposed close to the terminal-side ends of the legs 31, 32 or close to the open ends of the U-shaped support element 24. The rearward or second pivot bearing 36 by reference to the usage position of the binding mechanism 1 is preferably positioned in the transition region between the legs 31, 32 and the semicircular base 28 of the support element 24. The key feature of this is that at least one guide mechanism 75 is provided in addition to the two pivot bearings 36. This at least one guide mechanism 75, in conjunction with at least one pivot bearing 36, enables a combined adjustment of the support element 24 relative to the base plate 11 in rotation and translation. In particular, two guide mechanisms 75 are provided, which cooperate respectively with the two mutually spaced pivot bearings 36. The two guide mechanisms 75—which, like the pivot bearings 36, are arranged respectively in a substantially symmetrical arrangement relative to the binding longitudinal axis 18—respectively have oblong cutouts 76, 77 permitting an adjustment range for the support element 24 extending in a straight and/or curved arrangement relative to the base plate 11. These cutouts 76, 77 are preferably provided in the form of oblong orifices 78, 79 in the extensions 42 to 45 and/or the legs 31, 32 of the support element 24. Instead of oblong cutouts 76, 77 or orifices 78, 79, it would naturally also be possible to provide oval or circular holes to provide a guide mechanism 75 and a pivot bearing 36 with a defined adjustment range for the support element 24 relative to the base plate 11.

[0105] To enable a displacement of the support element 24 relative to the base plate 11 as necessary, the guide mechanisms 75 are preferably provided in the form of oblong orifices 78, 79, in which fixing means 50 and the bolt-type connecting element 63 between the support element 24 and the base plate 11 are mounted so as to be adjustable as necessary and fixable in the desired position. Preferably, a diameter of the screws 51 or the bolt-type connecting elements 63 substantially corresponds to a width of the oblong orifices 78, 79 so that the screws 51 or the bolt-type connecting elements 63 are able to penetrate the orifices 78, 79 transversely to their longitudinal extension. The longitudinal extension of the orifices 78, 79 extends in the direction of the binding longitudinal axis 18 and/or in the direction of the vertical axis 17 or in the direction of the binding vertical axis. In other words, the guide elements, in particular the cutouts 76, 77 or orifices 78, 79 of the guide mechanism 75 extend horizontally and/or vertically or at an incline to the standing plane 19 by reference to the vertical plane 37. In a preferred embodiment, at least one cutout 76, 77 or at least one orifice 78, 79 of the guide mechanisms 75 may curve in an arcuate shape as it projects onto the vertical plane 37.

[0106] A significant advantage of the design of the guide mechanisms 75, which permit an adjustment of the support element 24 relative to the base plate 11 in the longitudinal and/or height direction thereof, resides in the fact that the binding mechanism 1 has a more extensive setting or adjustment range, rendering it relatively flexible and capable of being adapted to cater for the respective requirements or usage conditions. Especially if the guide mechanisms 75 permit a markedly vertical adjustability of the support element 24 relative to the base plate 11, a support height 80 of the support 25 or the back support 26 can be adjusted within a relatively extensive adjustment range. In particular, if the guide mechanisms 75 rise at an incline, it will be possible to vary the support height 80 of the back support 26 by up to 5 cm without any difficulty. Likewise, if the guide mechanisms 75 are dimensioned accordingly, it will be possible to make width adjustments of up to 5 cm to the support element 24 in the direction of the binding longitudinal axis 18 without any difficulty. The orientation or shape of the cutouts 76, 77 of the guide mechanisms 75 is preferably selected so that a combined length and height adjustment can be made to the support element 24 relative to the base plate 11. One possible path of this adjusting motion is indicated by a double arrow 81.

[0107] In order to prevent the support element 24 from moving freely relative to the base plate 11, an adjusting and locking mechanism 40 is assigned to at least one of the combined pivot and guide mechanisms 36, 75. This adjusting and locking mechanism 40 for fixing the desired relative position of the support element 24 together with the support 25 relative to the base plate 11 is preferably provided in the form of a conventional clamping and/or catch connection 41. In the most basic design, this clamping and/or catch connection 41 will consist of a threaded arrangement which can be loosened or tightened as required, for example in the form of a screw and nut assembly. Alternatively or in combination with this rigid adjusting and locking mechanism 40, it would naturally also be possible to provide a damping mechanism which is adjustable in terms of its adjustment path and/or its hardness, by means of which the support element 24 can be retained in an elastically flexible arrangement with a pre-defined retaining force in the respective initial position or non-operating position.

[0108] Instead of the coupling parts 6, 7 illustrated here, it would, of course, be possible to use any coupling elements known from the prior art for providing a releasable connection of the binding mechanism 1 to a sports shoe.

[0109] It would also be possible, within the scope of the invention, for the support 25 to be integrally formed on the support element 24 or an integral support element and support 24, 25 to be provided, requiring no articulated connection or no pivot axis 27. Instead of oblong guide mechanisms 75, it would also be possible to provide circular or oval orifices 78, 79 in which the bolt or pin-type connecting elements between the support element 24 and the base plate 11 will provide the requisite degree of freedom in the longitudinal and height directions. The adjusting and locking mechanism 40, which is preferably of a design affording a clamping and/or latching connection between the support element 24 and the base plate 11 in the desired angular position and longitudinal position, is preferably provided in the form of a screw connection or by an eccentric or cam lever arrangement which can be operated without tools.

[0110]FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the binding mechanism 1, the same reference numbers being used for the parts already described above, in which case the descriptions given above can be applied to the same parts bearing the same reference numbers.

[0111] Here again, the support element 24 can be adjusted relative to the base plate 11 in a combined arrangement in rotation and translation. At least one of the pivot bearings 36, in particular the first or forward pivot bearing 36, is formed by rounded guide surfaces 82 in the terminal end regions of the legs 31, 32. These guide surfaces 82 constitute the pivot bearing 36 and define the pivot axis 38 for the support element 24. This pivot bearing 36 formed by the rounded, in particular circular guide surfaces 82, may operate as a linear or curved guide mechanism 75 and thus provide a combined displacement in rotation and translation for the support element 24 relative to the base plate 11. A diameter of a circular, rounded front end of the legs 31, 32 substantially corresponds to a width of an oblong recessed guide slit 83, open at one side, in the forward extensions 44, 45 of the base plate 11. This ensures a pivoting action via the pivot axis 38 and simultaneously permits a linear relative displacement of the support element 24 relative to the base plate 11 by means of the guide slits 83 for the leg ends forming the guide mechanisms 75. The rounded terminal ends of the legs 31, 32 may simply be inserted in the guide slits 83 on the base plate 11 and the leg ends will then be held in position transversely to the binding longitudinal direction 18. However, the support element 24 may be displaced in the direction of the binding longitudinal axis 18 in order to constitute the guide mechanism 75.

[0112] The design of guide slits 83 for receiving rounded ends of the legs 31, 32 simplifies assembly of the binding mechanism 1 and in particular obviates the need for any additional fixing means, such as screws for example, for retaining the terminal ends of the support element 24 in position on the base plate 11. The problem-free design of the generously dimensioned guide surfaces 82 in particular makes for a highly stable pivot bearing 36.

[0113] Spaced at a distance apart from the first or forward pivot bearing 36 and guide mechanism 75 is the second, in particular rearward pivot bearing 36 and guide mechanism 75 for the support element 24. This second guide mechanism 75 is provided in the form of an obliquely extending orifice 79 in the rearward extensions 42, 43 of the base plate 11. A pin or bolt projecting out from the legs 31, 32 of the support element 24 is inserted through these orifices 79 in the base plate 11 and is secured therein in an elastically adjustable or fixed arrangement. In the embodiment illustrated as an example here, a damping mechanism 59 is provided, which opposes the pivoting and sliding movements of the pivot bearings 36 and the guide mechanisms 75 with a defined mechanical resistance. An adjusting element 70 may optionally be provided, for example a screw assembly, by means of which the maximum adjustment path and/or the hardness of the damping mechanism 59 can be varied or adjusted. Alternatively, this adjusting element 70 may also be provided as a means of locking the desired relative position of the support element 24 relative to the base plate 11 and cut out any damping action between the support element 24 and the base plate 11.

[0114] When a load occurs perpendicular to the support surface 60 of the support 25, the support element 24 is able to slide forwards in the guide mechanisms 75 in the direction of the binding longitudinal axis 18 and pivot about the pivot axes 38 of the pivot bearings 36 against the action of the damping mechanism 59.

[0115] Optionally, the two pivot axes 38 of the pivot bearings 36 may extend in the same radial space about a common centre point, bringing about an arcuate pivoting of the support element 24 about this common centre point. To this end, the guide surfaces of the guide mechanisms 75 must have the same radius of curvature and a common centre point. This results in a swinging pivoting action of the support element 24 about this central centre point disposed above the standing surface 19.

[0116] In this embodiment, the support element 24 extends in a continuous curved arrangement as seen from the side view illustrated in FIG. 6, whereby the centre points of the radii of curvature 84, 85 of the support element 24 always lie above the standing plane 19.

[0117]FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a binding mechanism 1 as proposed by the invention.

[0118] Here too, mutually spaced pivot bearings 36 and guide mechanisms 75 are provided ion the longitudinal direction of the binding mechanism 1 and in the longitudinal direction of the support element 24.

[0119] The forward combined pivot bearing 36 and guide mechanism 75 is provided in the form of rounded guide surfaces 82 in the terminal end region of the legs 31, 32. The free terminal ends of the legs 31, 32 are preferably disposed in an oblong guide slit 83 in the extensions 44, 45 of the base plate 11. As a result of the co-operation between the guide slits 83 and the guide surfaces 82, the terminal ends of the legs 31, 32 are retained in position in the respectively co-operating extension 44, 45 in all directions transversely to the binding longitudinal axis 18.

[0120] The forward sliding and pivoting bearing for the support element 24 is provided with an adjusting and locking mechanism 40 for adjusting and fixing the desired relative position of the support element 24 relative to the base plate. This adjusting and locking mechanism 40 is provided as a screw assembly, for example a so called worm screw, which affects the angular position of the support element 24 and the support height 80 of the support 25 depending on the depth to which it is screwed into the extension 44, 45. In particular, the deeper the adjusting and locking mechanism 40 is screwed in, the more rearward the support element 24 is pushed from the base plate 11 and simultaneously raised at least in the rearward region of the binding unit 1 relative to the standing lane 19 of the base plate 11. This displaceability of the support element 24 relative to the base plate 11 is guaranteed by the pivot bearing 36 and the guide mechanism 75 in the rearward region of the base plate 11. In order to keep the surface contact in the translating guides as light as possible, at least the rearward guide mechanism 75 has a separate sliding block 86 in its oblong cutout 77. The pivot axis 38 extends through this sliding block 86 and thus receives the pivot bearing 36 in a load-bearing arrangement. The obliquely rising orientation of the oblong cutout 77 or the oblong orifice 79 permits a relative displacement of the support element 24 in the lengthwise and height directions relative to the base plate 11, as schematically indicated by the double arrow 81.

[0121] To prevent the support element 24 from freely lifting off the base plate 11, the pivot axis 38 or the pivot bearing 36 may be provided with a damping mechanism 59, for example in the form of a coil spring. The damping element 62 of the damping mechanism 59 therefore forces the pivot axis 38 to a position immediately adjacent to the standing plane 19, but which can be adjustably restricted by the adjusting and locking mechanism 40 if necessary.

[0122] In this embodiment, the support 25 or the back support 26 is mounted directly on the second or rearward pivot axis 38. In other words, the pivot axis 27 and the pivot axis 38 constitute a single axis. Again, the support 25 is moved simultaneously when the relative position of the support element 24 is varied. The bow-shaped support element 24 in this case no longer serves the basic function of a support frame for the pivotably mounted support 25 but instead the base 28 of the support element 24 serves as a stop element for the angular positioning of the support 25 relative to the support element 24. In particular, the region of the base 28 acts as a stop surface of the preferably adjustably mounted stop element 74 on the support 25.

[0123]FIG. 8 provides a schematic illustration of the front part region of the binding mechanism 1. The technical design may be used in conjunction with the binding mechanism 1 described above or may be used as a separate design in its own right. For the sake of simplicity, only one of the legs, for example the leg 31, of the support element 24 is shown in the embodiment illustrated as an example here. Naturally, the design described below could be provided for both legs of the support element 24.

[0124] In this instance, the terminal end of the leg 31 has at least two, preferably several bearing points 87, 88, 89, 90 spaced at a distance from one another transversely to the binding longitudinal axis 18. The at least one extension 44 on the base plate 11 may be selectively connected to at least one of the bearing points 87 to 90 in order to set up a rigid retaining system or provide the pivot bearing 36 for the support element 24. By means of the bearing points 87, 88, 89, 90, which may be used selectively, spaced apart from one another transversely to the binding longitudinal axis 18, different receiving widths may be left between the legs of the support element 24 for a specific sports shoe. In particular, the clearance spacing between the two legs of the support element 24 may be adapted in stages so as to suit the width of the respective sports shoe or the width of its sole as best possible. If simultaneously using the lateral boundary surfaces of the leg 31 as bearing points 87, 90 and by providing two receiving slits or recesses 91 to form the bearing points 88, 89 on the leg 31, four pivot bearings 36 can be provided at a distance apart from one another transversely to the binding longitudinal axis 18, or alternatively as rigid bearings, per leg 31 of the support element 24.

[0125] In one possible embodiment, several mutually spaced extensions 44 may be provided on the base plate 11 transversely to the binding longitudinal direction 18 and/or several mutually spaced matching orifices or recesses 91 may be provided transversely to the binding longitudinal direction 18 in at least one of the two legs. It would also be possible to provide the extensions 44 and recesses 91 in an inverse layout.

[0126] At least one of the lateral boundary surfaces on at least one of the two legs may even form the innermost and/or the outermost bearing points 87; 90 for setting the narrowest and/or broadest distance between the legs of the support element 24.

[0127] Irrespective of the above, several bearing points may also be provided in the rearward region of the base plate 11 and/or the support element 24 for mutually connecting and if necessary adjusting the distance between the two legs.

[0128] The respective setting of the leg distance may be fixed by a fixing means 50 connecting the at least one extension 44 and the respective leg, for example in the form of a screw 51.

[0129] For the sake of good order, it should finally be pointed out that in order to provide a clearer understanding of the structure of the binding mechanism 1, it and its constituent parts have been illustrated out of scale to a certain extent and/or on an enlarged and/or reduced scale.

[0130] The tasks underlying the independent inventive solutions can be found in the description.

[0131] Above all, the subject matter relating to the individual embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1; 2, 3; 4; 5; 6; 7; 8 can be construed as independent solutions proposed by the invention. The tasks and solutions can be found in the detailed descriptions relating to these drawings.

[0132] List of Reference Numbers

[0133]1 Binding mechanism

[0134]2 Sports device

[0135]3 Sports shoe

[0136]4 Snowboard

[0137]5 Snowboard shoe

[0138]6 Coupling part

[0139]7 Coupling part

[0140]8 Coupling part

[0141]9 Coupling part

[0142]10 Catch coupling

[0143]11 Base plate

[0144]12 Retaining plate

[0145]13 Top face

[0146]14 Diameter

[0147]15 Orifice

[0148]16 Rotary bearing

[0149]17 Axis

[0150]18 Binding longitudinal axis

[0151]19 Standing plane

[0152]20 Angle of rotation

[0153]21 Longitudinal axis

[0154]22 Fixing screw

[0155]23 Adjusting and fixing mechanism

[0156]24 Support element

[0157]25 Support

[0158]26 Back support

[0159]27 Pivot axis

[0160]28 Base

[0161]29 Distance

[0162]30 Vertical distance

[0163]31 Leg

[0164]32 Leg

[0165]33 Peripheral region

[0166]34 Peripheral region

[0167]35 Width

[0168]36 Pivot bearing

[0169]37 Vertical plane

[0170]38 Pivot axis

[0171]39 Angular position

[0172]40 Adjusting and locking mechanism

[0173]41 Clamping and catch connection

[0174]42 Extension

[0175]43 Extension

[0176]44 Extension

[0177]45 Extension

[0178]46 Boundary wall

[0179]47 Boundary wall

[0180]48 Seating element

[0181]50 Fixing means

[0182]51 Screw

[0183]52 Strap arrangement

[0184]53 Strap arrangement

[0185]54 Clamping and releasing mechanism

[0186]55 Clamping and releasing mechanism

[0187]56 Fixing means

[0188]57 Screw

[0189]58 Receiving bore

[0190]59 Damping mechanism

[0191]60 Support surface

[0192]61 Oblong hole

[0193]62 Damping element

[0194]63 Connecting element

[0195]64 Insert part

[0196]65 Receiving bore

[0197]66 Flanged nut

[0198]67 Cover element

[0199]68 Orifice

[0200]69 Thrust bearing

[0201]70 Adjusting element

[0202]71 Handle

[0203]72 Receiving slit

[0204]73 Angle of inclination

[0205]74 Stop element

[0206]75 Guide mechanism

[0207]76 Cutout

[0208]77 Cutout

[0209]78 Orifice

[0210]79 Orifice

[0211]80 Support height

[0212]81 Double arrow

[0213]82 Guide surface

[0214]83 Guide slit

[0215]84 Radius of curvature

[0216]85 Radius of curvature

[0217]86 Sliding block

[0218]87 Bearing point

[0219]88 Bearing point

[0220]89 Bearing point

[0221]90 Bearing point

[0222]91 Recess 

What is claimed is:
 1. Snowboard binding provided with a base plate for supporting a sports shoe, having at least one respective extension in the peripheral regions thereof on either side of its longitudinal axis for retaining a respective leg of a U- or bow-shaped support element, and this bow-shaped support element bears a support disposed in the region of its base and mounted so as to pivot to a limited degree in the form of a back support and/or provided as a stop restriction for a support mounted on the extensions of the base plate, characterised in that the support element is mounted by means of at least one pivot bearing so as to be pivotable to a limited degree about a pivot axis extending transversely to the binding longitudinal axis and substantially parallel with the base plate and the support element can be fixed in the desired angular position relative to the base plate by means of an adjusting and locking mechanism and/or is forced by means of an elastically resilient and automatically rebounding damping mechanism into a pre-defined angular position relative to the base plate.
 2. Snowboard binding as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the pivot bearing for the bow-shaped support element is provided in the end regions of its two legs remote from the base thereof.
 3. Snowboard binding as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the pivot bearing is provided close to the base of the U-shaped support element.
 4. Snowboard binding as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the adjusting and locking mechanism for adjusting and fixing different angular positions of the support element relative to the base plate as necessary is disposed at a distance from the pivot bearing.
 5. Snowboard binding as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that at least one resiliently elastic damping element is provided inside the pivot path of the support element, which permits a one-directional or two-directional pivoting action of the support element about the pivot axis against the active force of the damping element when subjected to compression forces perpendicular to a support surface of the support.
 6. Snowboard binding as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the adjusting and locking mechanism and/or the damping mechanism is provided in the region of the base or in the end regions of the legs lying immediately adjacent to the base.
 7. Snowboard binding as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the legs of the support element extend continuously, starting from a rearward region of the base plate, as far as a forward region or a region on the base plate forming a support surface for the balls of the feet.
 8. Snowboard binding as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the legs of the support element are cambered in a curved, preferably convex arrangement relative to the base plate.
 9. Snowboard binding as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that a respective extension is provided in both lengthwise peripheral regions of the base plate for forming the pivot bearing and another respective extension is provided at a distance apart therefrom for receiving the damping mechanism and/or the adjusting and locking mechanism.
 10. Snowboard binding as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the adjusting and locking mechanism has at least one oblong hole for adjusting the angular position of the support element relative to the base plate within a plane perpendicular to the standing plane as necessary.
 11. Snowboard binding as claimed in claim 10, characterised in that the adjusting and locking mechanism has an insert part which can be inserted in an oblong hole and defines the angular position of the support element depending on the insertion position.
 12. Snowboard binding as claimed in claim 11, characterised in that the insert part is provided in the form of a damping element which is resiliently elastically flexible and rebounds during active use and when the binding mechanism is subjected to loads.
 13. Snowboard binding as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that at least one connecting element which can be operated without tools is attached to the support element, in particular at least one strap arrangement and/or at least one coupling part, for securing and releasing a sports shoe as necessary.
 14. Snowboard binding as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the pivot axis is defined by a screw- or bolt-type fixing means.
 15. Snowboard binding as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the damping mechanism and/or the adjusting and locking mechanism has a screw- or bolt-type connecting element between the support element and the base plate, which is adjustable to a limited degree in at least one oblong hole.
 16. Snowboard binding as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the pivot bearing is provided in the form of rounded guide surfaces on the support element, in particular on the terminal ends of its legs, and/or by arcuately curved bearing surfaces on the base plate or on the extensions thereof.
 17. Snowboard binding as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the maximum possible pivot path of the support element and/or the hardness of the damping mechanism can be varied as necessary by means of an adjusting element.
 18. Snowboard binding as claimed in claim 17, characterised in that the adjusting element is provided in the form of an adjustable stop element for the support frame, in particular for the legs thereof, and/or as a positioning means for varying the pre-tensioning or damping characteristic of the damping element.
 19. Snowboard binding as claimed in claim 17, characterised in that the damping characteristic and/or the maximum adjustment path of the support element is adjustable by varying a radial distance of the damping element from the pivot axis.
 20. Snowboard binding as claimed in claim 17, characterised in that the adjusting element has a handle for varying the setting of the damping characteristic and/or the maximum adjustment path of the support element without tools.
 21. Snowboard binding as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that two pivot bearings are provided between the support element and the base plate spaced at a distance apart from one another in the direction of the binding longitudinal axis and are mounted in guide mechanisms between the support element and the base plate.
 22. Snowboard binding as claimed in claim 21, characterised in that the support element can be adjusted in rotation and translation relative to the base plate via the pivot bearings and guide mechanisms.
 23. Snowboard binding as claimed in claim 21, characterised in that at least one of the guide mechanisms, preferably the rearward guide mechanism, rises starting from the terminal ends of the legs in the direction towards the base of the support element.
 24. Snowboard binding as claimed in claim 21, characterised in that the guide mechanisms extend in an arcuately curved arrangement and the centre point thereof lies above the standing plane.
 25. Snowboard binding as claimed in claim 21, characterised in that the guide mechanisms are provided in the form of cutouts or orifices in the pairs of extensions and the pivot bearings by means of bolt- or pin-type fixing means disposed therein or connecting elements in or on the support element or vice versa.
 26. Snowboard binding as claimed in claim 21, characterised in that slide blocks receiving the pivot axes are adjustably mounted in the guide mechanisms.
 27. Snowboard binding provided with a base plate for supporting a sports shoe, having at least one respective extension in the peripheral regions thereof on either side of its longitudinal axis for retaining a respective leg of a U- or bracket-shaped support element, and this bow-shaped support element bears a support disposed in the region of its base and mounted so as to pivot to a limited degree in the form of a back support and/or provided as a stop restriction for a support mounted on the extensions of the base plate, characterised in that the two legs of the support element extend continuously starting from the rearward region of the base plate as far as the forward region of the base plate and transversely to the binding longitudinal axis and substantially parallel with the standing plane and two, preferably several bearing points are provided at a distance apart from one another for selectively connecting the support element to the base plate and for adjusting the clearance width between the legs as necessary.
 28. Snowboard binding as claimed in claim 27, characterised in that several extensions are provided on the base plate spaced apart from one another transversely to the binding longitudinal direction and/or several matching orifices or cutouts are provided in at least one leg spaced apart from one another transversely to the binding longitudinal axis, or vice versa.
 29. Snowboard binding as claimed in claim 27, characterised in that lateral boundary surfaces on at least one leg form the innermost and/or outermost bearing point for setting the narrowest and/or widest distance between the legs of the support element.
 30. Snowboard binding as claimed in claim 27, characterised in that bearing points are provided in the forward and/or in the rearward region of the base plate and/or the support element for mutually connecting and adjusting as necessary the distance between the legs. 